Alice Rhinehart was a cousin and a close friend to Rebecca "Bettie
Ezell,
daughter of Jefferson Ezell of Catahoula (now La Salle) Parish, La. Among
the many letters and Ezell family papers found in the Ezell home in Jena,
La.
were several letters from Alice to Bettie. These letters, transcribed
below,
are now in the possession of Pat Ezell of San Antonio, Tx. The words are
transcribed as written with no changes in the spelling of words, punctuation,
or capitalization.

Rhinehart, La.
Aug 8 1888
Miss Bettie Ezell
My Dear Cousin
Your letter came in due time, and I am the one this time that must offer
the apology. Now in the first place, I have been very busy putting up
fruit and preserves, second, I thought you had gone across the lakeand
did not know your address as you did not give it to me. I asked the Dr.
as he came home and he and Cousin Antony told me to address as same as
before that you would get it, so if you get this dont forget to write
me next time.
We were all very proud to see Antony; his visit was very unexpected to
us. I wish you were here as we intend to have a big fish fry next week.
Was very glad of the piece for my patch work as I have not finished it
yet;and will be _________ and put them in. And Bettie while I think of
it if you have an opportunity take a sesson in Arrasene embroidery for
me; perhaps Miss Jennie understands it. Miss Lizzie and Mamie Heard spent
the day with me last week, do you ever see them?
Dr. tells me Aurelia is getting well, but don't want to come home. I wish
you would as I would like so much to see you both. Im afraid you have
been in the City so long you will not be satisfied any more out here.
Well there is no news I know except what Cousin has told you while there.
Will try and do better next time. Write me long letters and please be
more prompt than I have been, and if you ever should think hard of me
for not writting sooner first think of the work I have to do and I know
I will be excused.
With much love for yourself and Aurelia.
I remain yours
Alice Yancy
Write soon and excuse paper as this is the best I could do.

Rhinehart, La Sept 10 1890
Miss Bettie Ezell
Bettie my Dear Cousin
Your note came in due time, and intending answering sooner, but first
one thing and another prevented my doing so, until I expect you think
it is rather late in the day. The reason why Pa did not come by eas, his
mule left him, and Ike had to bring him home. He intended coming for you
last week but was taken sick and was not able.
Bettie if I dont get to send for you this week, I will be out there next
week on my way to Centerville, and you must be ready to come home with
me as I will either go or come by your home.
I was all ready to send for you sometime since and Miss Bardee told me
you were at the Springs. hope you enjoyed your trip. Tell Aurelia she
must come so she can critasize our work.
Lovingly your cousin
Alice Yancy

Re: The letter dated August 8, 1888: the paper on which the letter is
written is lined and appears to be ledger paper from a tablet. References
to the "Dr." are referring to Dr. Jefferson Ezell, the father
of Bettie Ezell. "Antony" refers to Anthony Ezell, brother to
Bettie. "Aurelia" refers toAurelia Ezell, sister to Bettie and
Anthony. Aurelia was in poor health mostof her life and regularly went
to the hot springs across from New Orleans for
treatment. Aurelia lived to the age of 101! "Miss Jennie" refers
to Virginia Johnson, a friend in New Orleans whom Bettie and Aurelia frequently
visited.

The obituary for Alice Rhinehart Yancey is found at:
http://searches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ifetch2?/u1/data/la+index+441351793132+F
or through a search of the US GenWeb Archives at:
http://rsl.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/rslsql.cgi

Further information is found on members of the Rhinehart and Baker families
in
the writeup of
The Forsythe Cemetery located at:
ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/la/lasalle/cemeteries/forsythe.txt

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